Wonderdome

Our school hall was transformed into a window to the cosmos as the WonderDome mobile planetarium came to visit. Both Reception and Year 5 children were treated to a truly awe-inspiring experience. For Year 5, the visit was a powerful way to enhance their learning in science, linking directly to their curriculum focus on space.

The immersive dome created a captivating environment where pupils could explore complex scientific concepts in an engaging and memorable way. For Year 5, this was a golden opportunity to deepen their understanding of key topics such as the phases of the Moon, the relative movements of the Earth, Moon and Sun, and the vast scale of our solar system and beyond. These abstract ideas, often difficult to grasp through lessons alone, were brought vividly to life through stunning visuals and expert explanations from the WonderDome team.

Pupils were fascinated to learn about our place in the Universe and how our planet fits into the larger cosmic picture. They were especially engaged during discussions about the Moon’s phases, a concept they had previously explored in class. The planetarium allowed them to see these changes from a new perspective, consolidating their knowledge and igniting further curiosity.

The session was highly interactive, with time for pupils to pose their own thoughtful questions to the presenter. Their eagerness to learn and the depth of their questions demonstrated not only their growing scientific understanding, but also the power of immersive experiences to inspire and excite.

This visit has given our Year 5 pupils a renewed sense of wonder about the Universe and a stronger grasp of key scientific ideas. It was a fantastic way to enrich their learning and will undoubtedly be a highlight of their science journey this year.